Every child should find a little something in their Christmas stocking according to Bigfork local Debbie Ingram. Last year, she launched a grassroots project to provide a filled stocking to every youngster who utilized the Bigfork Food Bank. She amassed so many donations that she was able to load up dozens of backpacks, too. This year Ingram hopes to reach even more children, especially in light of the pandemic, which has increased financial strain on families from all walks of life.

“I just want to make sure that anybody that wants help gets it … especially this year,” Ingram told the Eagle. Last summer she had been surreptitiously buying Christmas stockings and finally told a friend about her plans that fall. As is often the case in small towns, word spread quickly and once the Bigfork Food Bank shared Ingram’s idea of social media, things took off in a hurry.

“They put it on their Facebook page and it exploded. Donations came in from everywhere,” Ingram said.

In 2019, she distributed approximately 125 holiday stockings -- the majority went to patrons of the food bank while the surplus was turned over to Kalispell’s HEART Locker, which provides clothes and other essentials for students in need. The stockings were filled with a mixture of fun and practical presents -- personal hygiene products and snacks along with toys, stickers and cards.

This year, the Bigfork Food Bank has identified 101 children who could use a stocking and Ingram plans to have plenty of extras on-hand for any newcomers to the food bank. She is also extending her net by reaching out to ACES After School Program and Bigfork Schools so no child in need goes without a little something special for the holidays.

“If we can provide a Christmas stocking for those who might not get them, that would be fabulous,” Ingram said.

The stockings will be filled with Christmas cheer in time for the food bank’s distribution day, which falls on Tuesday, Dec. 15 from 4-6 p.m. Donations of stocking items, already filled stockings or money will be accepted through Sunday, Dec. 13. Anyone who is interested in contributing to the effort or would like to receive a stocking is asked to contact Ingram at (406) 885-7714.

BREAKOUT

Get involved

Debbie Ingram is accepting donations of stocking stuffer items and money to purchase items until Dec. 12. Items can be dropped off at the Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce visitor’s center at 8155 Montana 35, or Half to Have It, located at 7545 Montana 35. Anyone who would like to request a stocking can contact Ingram at (406) 885-7714.